"Overlooked": Jared Goff Put On Notice In Latest CBS Rankings
Dec 14, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) is seen during warmups prior to the game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Dec 14, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) is seen during warmups prior to the game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Despite changing the Lions’ fortune and consistently producing at a Pro Bowl level, the perception that Jared Goff belongs in a tier below the NFL’s elite signal-callers has not changed.
That reality surfaced once again this week when Bryan DeArdo of CBS Sports released his ranking of quarterbacks who would benefit most from winning a Super Bowl. Goff is ranked No. 7 overall among some of the league’s biggest stars.
“Goff’s career has been nothing short of an enigma. Despite his continued success in Detroit, Goff remains overlooked among other quarterbacks in his era. That’ll likely remain Goff’s lot in life unless he leads the Lions to their first Super Bowl title,” wrote DeArdo.
While the NFL writer acknowledged Goff’s achievements, he made it clear that Goff's reputation wouldn’t change without the Lombardi trophy.
Dec 25, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) reacts to throwing an interception against the Minnesota Vikings in the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
Dec 25, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) reacts to throwing an interception against the Minnesota Vikings in the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
DeArdo referenced the Goff-Stafford trade, highlighting how Stafford and Goff have maintained similar levels of success with their respective teams following their trade. But one thing carried Stafford ahead: Carrying Los Angeles to a Super Bowl title.
“Despite a successful run with the Rams (that included a Super Bowl berth in 2018), he was traded to the Lions in the deal that sent Stafford to Los Angeles. Stafford won his elusive Super Bowl with the Rams, while Goff has enjoyed similar individual success in Detroit while leading the Lions’ resurgence.”
DeArdo further detailed Goff's success with the Lions in division titles. He pointed out how, in 2023, the quarterback "defeated his former team while leading the Lions to their first playoff win in 32 years.”
But none of it seemed to offset the view fans had of him.
Winning the Super Bowl would do wonders for people’s perception of Goff. However, one NFL analyst has serious doubts about whether Goff can return to his 2024 form.
Lions’ Success Hinges On Whether The Offense Can Click Once Again
A recent ESPN article discussed quarterback questions for each of the 32 NFL teams. The biggest question for the Detroit Lions was whether new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing could get Goff back to his 2024 level.
NFL analyst Dan Graziano wrote, “Last year’s question in this space was ‘Can Jared Goff overcome all of the changes in Detroit?’ and the answer was a resounding ‘no’.”
He mentioned how things changed drastically after the departure of offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.
“The Lions lost offensive coordinator Ben Johnson to the Bears and dealt with significant turnover on their offensive line. Goff wasn’t terrible, but he did post his lowest QBR since his first season in Detroit (before Johnson took over), and the Lions finished 9-8 to miss the playoffs”
He also stressed how the Lions could get back to their 2024 form. He stressed that it would depend on whether Goff could adapt to Petzing's offensive style. The OC would also have to prove that he could take over offensive playcalling duties.
Do you think Petzing can help Goff return to his 2024 form? Let us know in the comments!
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Written by
Dhruv Vishnu Nair
Edited by
Arundhoti Palit